I have a storage room that will contain less than 1375 gallons of ethanol at either 100% or 70% concentration and stored in specimen jars (approx 1 pt each). According to NFPA 30 and stated by a professional fire protection engineer, ethanol in these concentrations is classified as a Class 1 group B material and quantities less than 1375 gallons mean "the existing room is generally compliant". The fire protection engineer further states "If acceptable protection is not available in NFPA 30 Section 4.8 or via full-scale testing, the storage is considered 'unprotected' and cannot exceed 1375 gallons".
My question to all of this is:
Does the Class1, Divison 2 hazard classification per NEC 500.5 (B)(2) apply in this situation and should I replace the existing electrical to be Class 1, Div2 compatible?
My question to all of this is:
Does the Class1, Divison 2 hazard classification per NEC 500.5 (B)(2) apply in this situation and should I replace the existing electrical to be Class 1, Div2 compatible?